Mental health counselling supports
Deputy Neville asked whether counselling and psychology supports promised under mental health commitments had been signed off. The Taoiseach said he did not have the detail and would have the Minister respond.
On page 65 of the programme for Government, under further access to mental health services, it is stated that GPs are the first and in many cases the only health professionals to be involved in the management of a wide range of mental health problems. It also states that common supports sought from GPs in this regard include access to counsellors and psychologists. The strategy recommends that appropriately trained staff should be available at primary care level to provide programmes to prevent mental health problems and to promote well being. Has there been sign-off regarding these counselling or psychological services at primary care level for 2017, and if so how many have been signed off? Has there been sign-off by all the relevant Departments, including the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and, if so, given the recruitment challenges there have been, how many have been recruited?
